North Atlantic Oscillation

During years when the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) is in its positive phase, the eastern United States, southeastern Canada, and northwestern Europe experience warmer winter temperatures, whereas colder temperatures are found in these locations during its negative phase. When the El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and NAO are both in their positive phase, European winters tend to be wetter and less severe; however, beyond this general tendency, the influence of the ENSO upon the NAO is not well understood.